A Coastal wetland of Natural origin located in the Dry Zone of the Southern province. Ruhuna National Park (Block I to V) is one of the largest agglomerations of protected areas in Sri Lanka. It comprises of a complex of freshwater and brackish water wetlands (mainly in Blocks I and II). The area is very rich in biodiversity and important for elephant and water bird conservation and is considered an IBA by BirdLife International. The park is the most important destination for nature tourism in the country. Situated in the dry semi-arid type of climate, the major rainy season is the northeast monsoon. The largest concentration of reservoirs are found within Block I followed by Block II. Amongst the largest tanks are the Yodha Wewa (480 ha) and Badu Wewa in close proximity to Block I. There are several major and minor rivers and streams that originate in the highlands adjacent to the Hambantota District or from the central and Uva hills and flow in a southeasterly direction. Kumbukkan Oya in the Northeast and Manik ganga and its tributaries in the west flow through the Park providing a source of water to the animals even during the driest months of the year. Other important streams are Kurunda Ara, Nabadagas Ara, Katupila Ara, Karambe Ara, Wila Oya, Maheseelawa Oya and Buthawa Oya. Mangrove vegetation is widespread in the estuaries of Manik Ganga and Kumbukkan Oya. Some of the important lagoons within the area are Buthuwa, Udapothana, Mahirawa, Etiliu and Udagajaba. The multifarious ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forest, dry monsoon forests, semi deciduous forests, thorn forests, grasslands, fresh water and marine wetlands, sandy beaches etc. support a large number of animals and plants. Vegetation cover in Block I: forest (62%), grasslands (26%), tanks and water holes (1.2%), lagoons and mangroves (1.6%) and beach (2%); Block II: forests (42%), grasslaneds (32%); Block III: Forests (85%) and rangelands (15%); Block IV: forest (95%); Block V: dense forest (66%), Rangeland (22%). Mangrove vegetation comprises of Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia sp., Aegiceras sp., Sonneratia caseolaris, and Aegiceras corniculatum. The vertebrate fauna recorded from the area include 31 fish, 14 amphibians, 30 reptiles, 151 bird species, and 32 mammal species. Almost 90% of the fish population in the permanent reservoirs are exotic food fish Oreochromis mossambicus. Among the other fish species, Garra ceylonensis and Esomus thermoicos are endemic. Breeding populations of Crocodylus palustris and C. porosus are found. The beach adjoining the National Park is a nesting ground for all five species of globally endangered marine turtle that visit Sri Lanka. At least 90 species of water birds have been recoded, half of them being annual migrants. Rare water birds include Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, and Leptoptilus javanicus. Seasonal fisheries activities occur along the Patanangala coastal stretch through a permit system. The National Park has great historical significance as it forms part of the Ruhu Rata, which was the southern kingdom of the Sinhalese kings. A large number of ancient albeit dilapidated tanks is evidence of a rich hydraulic and agricultural civilisation dating back to 5th century BC. During the colonial period (16-20th Centuries), the area was a popular hunting ground. Historical and religious sites such as Kataragama, Sithulpahuwa and Magul Maha Vihara are found in the vicinity.

Ruhuna National Park Related references